In my view what is most significant about the #nzpol PM’s comments today on the NZ #GeorgeFloydProtests isn’t the comment that NZ may move to L1 soon after cabinet (yes this defuses opposition) it was the progressive political confidence with which she tackled the key issues 1/3
She made 3 important comments 1) she acknowledged the ‘horrifying’ nature of unfolding events in the USA, 2) she acknowledged the urgency that youth especially feel about that situation & the connection with experiences of racism/ extremismin NZ & concern about arming police 2/3
3) NZ PM made clear her position against routinely arming police. This differs from more equivocal approaches eg Ihumatāo & matters as it steers a path in a potentially tense situation: impt, progressive leadership which, whether or not her opponents like it, is needed just now
P.s. yes I did hear the comment about the armed police trial being operational but I also interpret her comment this was ‘under the last Commissaioner’ & that the govt has view about arming police & PM has a strong view against it, as a clear indication of a wider policy view 1/2
But if you want to reinforce this then write to MPs across the political spectrum in your community to explain why this matters to you because otherwise spin & pressure from troll account comments about law & order to the gun lobbies become louder than local positive comments 2/2
Here’s the @NZMorningReport interview with the #nzpol Prime Minister I was referring to Above- thanks to @Mihi_Forbes for the link amp.rnz.co.nz/article/fc8124…
